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

Testing includes blood work, genetic screening, ultrasounds, a DEXA body-composition scan, cardiovascular assessments, and numerous other diagnostics, with every result explained immediately and paired with practical recommendations. — Ken Gawrych, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2026

People who climbed the stairs were less likely to develop major cardiovascular conditions such as heart attack, stroke and heart failure, UEA further reported. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Understanding how cardiac neurons function could lead to new therapies for a range of cardiovascular conditions, such as atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and myocardial infarctions. — Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026

At the same time, rising concerns about cardiovascular disease made many Americans more health-conscious. — Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 14 Aug. 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