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

Despite those attractive traits, UPFs have been linked to cancer, obesity, cardiovascular disease, depression, and even low muscle mass. —Marisa McMillan, Outside, 14 Mar. 2026

Heart rhythm disorders are on the rise as cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in America. —Tracy Yochum, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2026

In particular, apoB testing may paint a clearer picture of risk for people with high triglycerides, Type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome. —Lindsey Leake, NBC news, 13 Mar. 2026

By treating cardiovascular and metabolic health as part of the lupus care plan—rather than separate issues—clinicians aim to reduce complications that might otherwise emerge years later. —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 13 Mar. 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