What is the most common form of cardiovascular disease?

Coronary heart disease is the most prevalent form of cardiovascular disease, primarily because it involves the narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. This condition is often the result of atherosclerosis, where plaque builds up on the artery walls. Given that coronary heart disease can lead to serious health events such as heart attacks, it's recognized as a leading cause of death worldwide.

Its significance is underscored by the widespread risk factors associated with the disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, smoking, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. Being such a common and serious condition, many focus on preventing and managing coronary heart disease through lifestyle changes and medical interventions.

This understanding of coronary heart disease's prevalence and impact on health correlates with why it stands out in discussions of cardiovascular diseases compared to other forms like stroke, atherosclerosis, or heart failure, which may have varied prevalence depending on specific populations and risk factors.