Jamaicans are being urged to take steps, including cutting back on the use of salt, to prevent hypertension.

The appeal is being made by Health Education Officer at the Heart Foundation of Jamaica, Kayaunda Lewis.

Her call comes ahead of World Hypertension Day 2025, which will be observed on Saturday May 17, under the theme Measure your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control it, Live Longer.

Noting that 1 in 3 Jamaicans is hypertensive Ms. Lewis said in addition to shaking the salt habit, Jamaicans must limit their intake of ultra-processed food items such as soup mixes and eat more fruits.