Word parts
What it means
Describes the system that pumps and carries blood: the heart, arteries, veins and capillaries. Cardiovascular disease covers coronary artery diseaseKOR-uh-nair-ee AR-tuh-ree dih-ZEEZNarrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle, most often from fatty plaque buildup.Full entry , heart failurehart FAYL-yerA long-term condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.Full entry , strokestrohkSudden damage to part of the brain because its blood supply is blocked or a blood vessel in it bursts.Full entry , hypertensionhy-per-TEN-shunBlood pressure that stays higher than normal, at or above 130/80 mm Hg by current US guidelines.hyper- above, more than normaltension pressureFull entry and diseases of the blood vessels, and it is the leading cause of death in the United States. A cardiovascular assessment includes heart sounds, pulses, blood pressure, skin color and temperature, capillary refill and swelling.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | CV (ambiguous on its own); CVD (cardiovascular disease) |
|---|---|
| Spanish | cardiovascular |
Related terms
cardi/o
A word part that means heart.
cardiac
Relating to the heart.
vascular
Relating to blood vessels.
cardiopulmonary
Relating to the heart and lungs together.