'cardiorespiratory' originates from the combination of 'cardio-' from Greek 'kardia' meaning 'heart' and 'respiratory' from Latin 'respirare' meaning 'to breathe'.

'cardiorespiratory' evolved from the combination of Greek and Latin roots to describe functions involving both the heart and lungs.

Initially, it referred to any function involving the heart and lungs, and this meaning has remained consistent.