cardiovascular

adjective

car·​dio·​vas·​cu·​lar ˌkär-dē-ō-ˈva-skyə-lər How to pronounce cardiovascular (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Visceral fat — which lies deep within the abdomen and surrounds internal organs — has also been linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, Cleveland Clinic states. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 People with cardiovascular conditions also need to consider the physical and emotional stress of the ride and whether the excitement and sudden changes in motion can increase heart rate and blood pressure. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026 Older studies suggested that a glass of red wine could reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, but more recent studies question that conclusion. — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Its sensors read those movements, along with your pulse, to track conditions including bruxism (teeth grinding), fatigue, and cardiovascular health. — New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cardiovascular

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cardiovascular was in 1854

Rhymes for cardiovascular

See All Rhymes for cardiovascular

Browse Nearby Words

cardiotonic
cardiovascular
cardioversion
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cardiovascular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cardiovascular. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cardiovascular

adjective
car·​dio·​vas·​cu·​lar ˌkärd-ē-ō-ˈvas-kyə-lər How to pronounce cardiovascular (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce cardiovascular (audio)
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
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