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

Growing research suggests that these drugs – which include semaglutide and tirzepatide – potentially have benefits beyond weight loss, with stronger evidence for cardiovascular and kidney health. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026

Fiber is very important, not only for overall health, but for reducing cholesterol levels and helping maintain a healthy weight, which are important for lowering cardiovascular risk, said Lindsey Wohlford, MS, RD, LD, a wellness dietitian at MD Anderson Cancer Center. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 24 Apr. 2026

The cardiovascular picture is equally strong. —Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2026

Researchers have explored the effects of black garlic on metabolic and cardiovascular health, including blood sugar and cholesterol levels. —Mavra Javed, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 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