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

Studies have suggested that the pill results in more pronounced weight loss than Foundayo and has certain cardiovascular benefits, but so far, no clinical trial has directly compared the two drugs. —Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 18 May 2026

Chronic circadian misalignment is associated with a 30-40% higher risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, depression and anxiety. —Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 May 2026

The nicotine content has potential risks related to both cardiovascular and oral health as well as possible addiction. —Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026

By her late 40s, a Florida physician has been performing the cardiovascular equivalent of chain-smoking for two decades, and her institution’s response is to offer her a mindfulness app. —Frances Mei Hardin, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 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