Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular refers to the heart and blood vessels and to processes involving the circulatory system.

The cardiovascular system consists primarily of the heart and network of blood vessels that circulate blood throughout the body. It transports oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and other substances while helping remove metabolic waste.

The term can describe anatomy, physiology, disease, or health effects, for example, cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular effects of environmental exposures.

COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH

  • Circulatory system: commonly used as a broader term for the system responsible for blood circulation.
  • Cardiac: specifically relating to the heart.

SEE ALSO

Clinical & Educational Context

Discussed in Health Articles & Guides

Explore how "Cardiovascular" is covered across our evidence-based editorial guides:

3 Articles
The Hard Parts of Medicine

Do You Need Supplements? What Medical Research Says

Preventing Heart Disease and Cancer One of the most common reasons people take supplements is to prevent major diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease and cancer.
The Hard Parts of Medicine

Polypharmacy: What Really Happens When You Take Multiple Medicines

A person living with high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease may need several treatments because each medicine serves a different purpose.
Health in the Wild

Noise Pollution 101: Everything You Need to Know

Noise pollution can interfere with sleep, concentration, communication, hearing, and psychological well-being, and prolonged exposure has been associated with cardiovascular and other health effects.