Abstract： Arginine vasopressin （AVP） is closely related to the pathogenesis of a variety of cardiovascular diseases and kidney diseases. Currently it is often used for the treatment of severe peripheral vasodilatory shock， and particularly beneficial for patients with refractory catecholamine-resistant vasodilatory shock. For some patients who do not have adequate AVP level in plasma after cardiovascular surgery， external low-dose AVP infusion is helpful to decrease the heart rate, and the dosage and duration of catecholamine use. Early initiation of low-dose AVP infusion may be beneficial for postoperative patients’ hemodynamic recovery without adverse complications. More randomized control trials are needed to provide evidence for rational usage， dosage and duration of AVP administration.