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

While such cardiovascular dangers are real, Harvard Medical School experts say there's no scientifically valid evidence behind the common belief that caffeine can stunt a person's growth. — ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026

Gum disease, cavities and missing teeth track with higher rates of stroke, cardiovascular disease and cancer, with ties also drawn to diabetes, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer’s. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2026

Importantly, trial participants also saw significant reductions in blood sugar, as well as lower cholesterol and blood pressure—both of which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 29 Sep. 2026

Many chronic conditions can raise levels of inflammation in the body, and exposure to inflammation can put stress on the body, contributing to issues such as cardiovascular disease. — Jean Liew, Fortune, 28 Sep. 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