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

Using Cardio and Diet For Fat Loss Dietary choices, cardiovascular exercise, and resistance training work together to facilitate fat loss. —Jakob Roze, Health, 9 Jan. 2026

However, the American Heart Association warned the recommendations could lead people to consume too much sodium and saturated fats, bringing higher risk of cardiovascular disease. —Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 8 Jan. 2026

That’s because studies have linked ultraprocessed foods with numerous health issues and diseases including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, cancer, depression, cognitive decline and more. —Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026

The campaign claimed that hormones prevented cardiovascular disease, stroke and dementia, and helped women live longer. —Patricia Bencivenga, STAT, 8 Jan. 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