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[Cardiovascular](/glossary?system=Cardiovascular)

# Cardiovascular

car·di·o·vas·cu·lar - kar-dee-oh-VAS-kyoo-lar

## Definition

Cardiovascular refers to anything related to the heart (cardio) and blood vessels (vascular) - the circulatory system that pumps blood throughout your entire body. This system consists of the heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries, working together to deliver oxygen and nutrients to every cell and carry away waste products like carbon dioxide. The cardiovascular system also transports [hormones](/glossary/hormone), [immune cells](/glossary/white-blood-cells), and other signaling molecules that regulate body functions.

Your heart beats approximately 100,000 times per day, pumping about 2,000 gallons of blood through roughly 60,000 miles of blood vessels. This remarkable system begins functioning just three weeks after conception and doesn't stop until death. Maintaining cardiovascular health is critical because the heart and blood vessels supply every organ in the body - when the cardiovascular system is compromised, the effects ripple throughout the entire body.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for approximately 17.9 million deaths annually. The term encompasses a range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease, [heart failure](/conditions/heart-failure), [arrhythmias](/glossary/arrhythmia), valvular heart disease, peripheral artery disease, and cerebrovascular disease (stroke). Most cardiovascular disease is preventable through lifestyle modifications including regular exercise, healthy diet, not smoking, and managing risk factors like blood pressure and [cholesterol](/glossary/cholesterol).

## Also Known As

CV Circulatory 

## Key Facts

-   • Cardiovascular disease is the #1 cause of death globally, killing more people than all cancers combined. 
-   • The heart pumps approximately 2,000 gallons of blood through 60,000 miles of blood vessels every day. 
-   • 80% of premature cardiovascular disease is preventable through lifestyle changes. 
-   • Key risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and physical inactivity. 
-   • Cardiovascular fitness (VO2 max) is one of the strongest predictors of longevity. 

## How It Relates To Your Health

Cardiovascular health is foundational to overall well-being because every organ depends on the heart and blood vessels for oxygen and nutrient delivery. Cardiovascular risk assessment typically involves measuring blood pressure, [cholesterol](/glossary/cholesterol) levels, [blood glucose](/glossary/blood-glucose), and evaluating lifestyle factors like smoking status, diet, and physical activity level.

If you have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, your doctor may recommend lifestyle modifications, medications (such as statins or [blood pressure](/glossary/blood-pressure) drugs), and regular monitoring. Exercise is particularly powerful - even moderate physical activity like brisk walking for 30 minutes most days significantly reduces cardiovascular risk.

## Related Terms

[Atherosclerosis](/glossary/atherosclerosis)[Hypertension](/glossary/hypertension)[Blood Pressure](/glossary/blood-pressure)[Cholesterol](/glossary/cholesterol)[Aorta](/glossary/aorta)[Myocardial Infarction](/glossary/myocardial-infarction)

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## Sources

1.  [Heart Disease Facts](https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/data-research/facts-stats/index.html) - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
2.  [Cardiovascular diseases](https://www.who.int/health-topics/cardiovascular-diseases) - World Health Organization
3.  [How the Heart Works](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/heart/how-heart-works) - National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH)

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