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

The Grammy Award-winning musician and actress opened up about the public awareness campaign, Truth About Weight, which highlights the risks of obesity, including cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack or stroke. —Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 15 May 2025

Good cardiovascular workouts and gentle movements include:28 Cycling Jogging Pilates Swimming Tai chi Walking Yoga Regular physical activity has been proven to aid weight loss, balance hormone levels, and reduce blood sugar levels. —Peter Weiss, Verywell Health, 13 May 2025

Poor oral health has been linked to complications including cardiovascular disease, and experts have told CBS News that preventative care is the best way to keep dental health in check. —Sara Moniuszko, CBS News, 13 May 2025

But the same study also showed that trans women athletes who — like Thomas — had undergone at least a year of treatment suppressing their testosterone levels had lower jumping ability, lung function, and cardiovascular fitness than cisgender female participants did. —Jonathan Zimmerman, New York Daily News, 13 May 2025

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