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

Its origins lie in finding the root causes of cardiovascular diseases, especially heart attacks and strokes. —Veronique Greenwood, Time, 6 Nov. 2025

In one study, one or two additional cups of coffee daily doubled the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, or stroke in coffee drinkers with stage 2 and 3 hypertension. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 6 Nov. 2025

Enamel degradation affects nearly half of the world’s population, contributing to cavities, infections, and even systemic health issues such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2025

Melatonin use and heart health Melatonin supplements are often marketed as a safe sleep aid, but there hasn’t been sufficient data on long-term safety for cardiovascular health, the authors said. —Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 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