cardiovascular

adjective

car·​dio·​vas·​cu·​lar ˌkär-dē-ō-ˈva-skyə-lər 

1

: of, relating to, or involving the heart and blood vessels

2

: used, designed, or performed to cause a temporary increase in heart rate

a cardiovascular workout

cardiovascularly adverb

cardiovascularly fit

Examples of cardiovascular in a Sentence

running, swimming, and other cardiovascular exercises

Recent Examples on the Web

Resistance training levels were then compared with later death from any cause, as well as from cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease and neurological disease, according to a press release. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026

Many earlier studies linking weight cycling to cardiovascular and metabolic risk failed to adequately control for confounding factors including age, underlying health status and the cumulative burden of obesity over time. —Allison Palmer updated June 13, Kansas City Star, 13 June 2026

Plus, insufficient fiber intake is linked to higher rates of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes — two conditions that are historically rare in the Mediterranean region — per the American Society for Nutrition. —Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 13 June 2026

Plus, the conditions the Mediterranean diet has historically helped prevent — cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes — are the same ones researchers now link to chronic low fiber intake. —Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for cardiovascular

• extravascular
• intravascular
• microvascular
• neurovascular
• perivascular
• renovascular
• avascular
• cerebrovascular
• vascular

Kids Definition

cardiovascular

adjective

car·​dio·​vas·​cu·​lar ˌkärd-ē-ō-ˈvas-kyə-lər 

: of, relating to, or involving the heart and blood vessels

cardiovascular disease

Medical Definition

cardiovascular

1 of 2 adjective

car·​dio·​vas·​cu·​lar -ˈvas-kyə-lər 

1

: of, relating to, or involving the heart and blood vessels

cardiovascular disease

the cardiovascular system

2

: used, designed, or performed to cause a temporary increase in heart rate (as to improve heart function and reduce the risk of heart disease)

a cardiovascular workout

treadmills, stationary bicycles, and other cardiovascular equipment

cardiovascularly adverb

cardiovascularly fit

cardiovascular

2 of 2 noun

: a substance (as a drug) that affects the heart or blood vessels