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

Regular physical activity, a nutritious diet and not smoking are essential for cardiovascular and overall health generally. — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Key Takeaways Hyrox combines cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and social connection, all of which may support longevity. — Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 21 Aug. 2026

In 2018, at the urging of top FDA officials, the pharmaceutical company AbbVie and other drugmakers conducted the TRAVERSE trial to investigate potential cardiovascular issues linked to testosterone, as well as prostate cancer and bone fractures. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 20 Aug. 2026

Fortunately for Narduzzi’s cardiovascular health, Robinson never ate the bass. — Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 20 Aug. 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