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 warning was added after findings from the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study linked hormone therapy use to higher risks of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease. —Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 12 Nov. 2025

The participants were followed until March 2025 to monitor their cardiovascular health. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 12 Nov. 2025

Studies indicate these effects are linked to the juice’s antioxidant and anti-atherosclerotic properties, which together support overall cardiovascular health. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 12 Nov. 2025

These nutrients can help balance electrolytes, improve blood vessel function, and stabilize blood sugar levels, all of which play a crucial role in maintaining cardiovascular health. —Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 12 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