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

Poor oral health has been linked to complications including cardiovascular disease, and experts have told CBS News that preventative care is the best way to keep dental health in check. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2025

The Medical Examiner ruled that her death was due to natural causes from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or hardened arteries. —Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2025

Such recommendations make sense considering that experiencing too much stress has been linked to a host of adverse health outcomes like premature aging, poor sleep quality and hair loss to digestive issues, a weakened immune system and even cardiovascular disease. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2025

Their findings highlight the benefits of physical activity in reducing postpartum depression, weight retention, sleep disturbances and risks of chronic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 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