Hypertension is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease in the Caribbean and globally. It is responsible for 51% of deaths due to cerebrovascular disease (stroke) and 45% of deaths due to ischaemic heart disease, which are the leading causes of death in the Caribbean. The prevalence of hypertension in the Caribbean is high, affecting 21% of adults in Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago, 25% in Jamaica, and 35–38% in St Kitts, British Virgin Islands and Grenada, contributing to the large economic burden from this condition and its complications.

EDITORIAL

It is a pleasure to introduce this special issue on health sciences. Health science is one of the fastest emerging fields in health. Remarkable advancements have been made in the field of medical, nursing and allied health sciences since the past 10 years. This has influenced life expectancy and resulted in better health management and improved treatment; its impact can even be seen in the health policies of governments in different countries.