Seeing beneath the surface:Harnessing point-of-care ultrasound for internal jugular vein evaluation

Point-of-care ultrasound(POCUS)of the internal jugular vein(IJV)offers a noninvasive means of estimating right atrial pressure(RAP),especially in cases where the inferior vena cava is inaccessible or unreliable due to conditions such as liver disease or abdominal surgery.While many clinicians are familiar with visually assessing jugular venous pressure through the internal jugular vein,this method lacks sensitivity.The utilization of POCUS significantly enhances the visualization of the vein,leading to a more accurate identification.It has been demonstrated that combining IJV POCUS with physical examination enhances the specificity of RAP estimation.This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the various sonographic techniques available for estimating RAP from the internal jugular vein,drawing upon existing data.

Ultrasound based estimate of central venous pressure:Are we any closer?

Central venous pressure(CVP)serves as a direct approximation of right atrial pressure and is influenced by factors like total blood volume,venous compliance,cardiac output,and orthostasis.Normal CVP falls within 8-12 mmHg but varies with volume status and venous compliance.Monitoring and managing disturbances in CVP are vital in patients with circulatory shock or fluid disturbances.Elevated CVP can lead to fluid accumulation in the interstitial space,impairing venous return and reducing cardiac preload.While pulmonary artery catheterization and central venous catheter obtained measurements are considered to be more accurate,they carry risk of complications and their usage has not shown clinical improvement.Ultrasound-based assessment of the internal jugular vein(IJV)offers real-time,non-invasive measurement of static and dynamic parameters for estimating CVP.IJV parameters,including diameter and ratio,has demonstrated good correlation with CVP.Despite significant advancements in non-invasive CVP measurement,a reliable tool is yet to be found.Present methods can offer reasonable guidance in assessing CVP,provided their limitations are acknowledged.

Portal vein pulsatility:An important sonographic tool assessment of systemic congestion for critical ill patients

In this editorial we comment on the article by Kuwahara et al,published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Cardiology.In this interesting paper,the authors showed a correlation between portal vein pulsatility ratio,examined by bedside ultrasonography,and prognosis of hospitalized patients with acute heart failure.Systemic congestion is being notoriously underdetected in the acutely ill population with conventional methods like clinical examination,biomarkers,central venous pressure estimation and X-rays.However,congestion should be a key therapeutic target due to its deleterious effects to end organ function and subsequently patient prognosis.Doppler flow assessment of the abdominal veins is gaining popularity worldwide,as a valuable tool in estimating comprehensively congestion and giving a further insight into hemodynamics and patient management.

Accuracy of Mean Value of Central Venous Pressure from Monitor Digital Display: Influence of Amplitude of Central Venous Pressure during Respiration

Background A simple measurement of central venous pressure(CVP)-mean by the digital monitor display has become increasingly popular.However,the agreement between CVP-mean and CVP-end(a standard method of CVP measurement by analyzing the waveform at end-expiration)is not well determined.This study was designed to identify the relationship between CVP-mean and CVP-end in critically ill patients and to introduce a new parameter of CVP amplitude(ΔCVP=CVPmax-CVPmin)during the respiratory period to identify the agreement/disagreement between CVP-mean and CVP-end.Methods In total,291 patients were included in the study.CVP-mean and CVP-end were obtained simultaneously from each patient.CVP measurement difference(|CVP-mean-CVP-end|)was defined as the difference between CVP-mean and CVP-end.TheΔCVP was calculated as the difference between the peak(CVPmax)and the nadir value(CVPmin)during the respiratory cycle,which was automatically recorded on the monitor screen.Subjects with|CVP-mean-CVP-end|≥2 mm Hg were divided into the inconsistent group,while subjects with|CVP-mean-CVP-end|2 mm Hg were divided into the consistent group.ResultsΔCVP was significantly higher in the inconsistent group[7.17(2.77)vs.5.24(2.18),P0.001]than that in the consistent group.There was a significantly positive relationship betweenΔCVP and|CVP-mean-CVP-end|(r=0.283,P 0.0001).Bland-Altman plot showed the bias was-0.61 mm Hg with a wide 95%limit of agreement(-3.34,2.10)of CVP-end and CVP-mean.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves(AUC)ofΔCVP for predicting|CVP-mean-CVP-end|≥2 mm Hg was 0.709.With a high diagnostic specificity,usingΔCVP3 to detect|CVP-mean-CVP-end|lower than 2mm Hg(consistent measurement)resulted in a sensitivity of 22.37%and a specificity of 93.06%.UsingΔCVP8 to detect|CVP-mean-CVPend|8 mm Hg(inconsistent measurement)resulted in a sensitivity of 31.94%and a specificity of 91.32%.Conclusions CVP-end and CVP-mean have statistical discrepancies in specific clinical scenarios.ΔCVP during the respiratory period is related to the variation of the two CVP methods.A highΔCVP indicates a poor agreement between these two methods,whereas a lowΔCVP indicates a good agreement between these two methods.

Low central venous pressure reduces blood loss in hepatectomy

AIM： To investigate the effect of low central venous pressure （LCVP） on blood loss during hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）. METHODS： By the method of sealed envelope, 50 HCC patients were randomized into LCVP group （n=25） and control group （n=25）. In LCVP group, CVP was maintained at 2-4 mmHg and systolic blood pressure （SBP） above 90 mmHg by manipulation of the patient＇s posture and administration of drugs during hepatectomy, while in control group hepatectomy was performed routinely without lowering CVP. The patients＇ preoperative conditions, volume of blood loss during hepatectomy, volume of blood transfusion, length of hospital stay, changes in hepatic and renal functions were compared between the two groups. RESULTS： There were no significant differences in patients＇ preoperative conditions, maximal tumor dimension, pattern of hepatectomy, duration of vascular occlusion, operation time, weight of resected liver tissues, incidence of post-operative complications, hepatic and renal functions between the two groups. LCVP group had a markedly lower volume of total intraoperative blood loss and blood loss during hepatectomy than the control group, being 903.9 ± 180.8 mL vs 2 329.4 ±2 538.4 （W=495.5, P〈0.01） and 672.4±429.9 mL vs 1 662.6±1 932.1 （W=543.5, P〈0.01）. There were no remarkable differences in the pre-resection and post-resection blood losses between the two groups. The length of hospital stay was significantly shortened in LCVP group as compared with the control group, being 16.3±6.8 d vs 21.5 ± 8.6 d （W= 532.5, P〈0.05）.CONCLUSION： LCVP is easily achievable in technique. Maintenance of CVP ≤4 mmHg can help reduce blood loss during hepatectomy, shorten the length of hospital stay, and has no detrimental effects on hepatic or renal function.

Controlled low central venous pressure reduces blood loss and transfusion requirements in hepatectomy

AIM: To evaluate the effect of low central venous pressure (LCVP) on blood loss and blood transfusion in patients undergoing hepatectomy.

Optimal central venous pressure during partial hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND:Low central venous pressure(CVP) affects hemodynamic stability and tissue perfusion.This prospective study aimed to evaluate the optimal CVP during partial hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).METHODS:Ninety-seven patients who underwent partial hepatectomy for HCC had their CVP controlled at a level of 0 to 5 mmHg during hepatic parenchymal transection.The systolic blood pressure(SBP) was maintained,if possible,at 90 mmHg or higher.Hepatitis B surface antigen was positive in 90 patients(92.8%) and cirrhosis in 84 patients(86.6%).Pringle maneuver was used routinely in these patients with clamp/unclamp cycles of 15/5 minutes.The average clamp time was 21.4±8.0 minutes.These patients were divided into 5 groups based on the CVP:group A:0-1 mmHg;B:1.1-2 mmHg;C:2.1-3 mmHg;D:3.1-4 mmHg and E:4.1-5 mmHg.The blood loss per transection area during hepatic parenchymal transection and the arterial blood gas before and after liver transection were analyzed.RESULTS:With active fluid load,a constant SBP ≥90 mmHg which was considered as optimal was maintained in 18.6% in group A(95% CI:10.8%-26.3%);39.2% in group B(95% CI:29.5%-48.9%);72.2% in group C(95% CI:63.2%-81.1%);89.7% in group D(95% CI:83.6%-95.7%);and 100% in group E(95% CI:100%-100%).The blood loss per transection area during hepatic parenchymal transection decreased with a decrease in CVP.Compared to groups D and E,blood loss in groups A,B and C was significantly less(analysis of variance test,P【0.05).Compared with the baseline,the blood oxygenation decreased significantly when the CVP was reduced.Base excess and HCO 3-in groups A and B were significantly decreased compared with those in groups C,D and E(P【0.05).CONCLUSION:In consideration of blood loss,SBP,base excess and HCO 3-,a CVP of 2.1-3 mmHg was optimal in patients undergoing partial hepatectomy for HCC.

Hemodynamics and oxygen transport dynamics during hepatic resection at different central venous pressures in a pig model

BACKGROUND: Although low central venous pressure (CVP) has been used to minimize blood loss during hepatectomy the impact of variations of CVP on the rate of blood loss and on the perfusion of end-organs has not been evaluated This animal study aimed to evaluate the hemodynamics and oxygen transport changes during hepatic resection at different CVP levels. METHODS: Forty-eight anesthetized Bama miniature pigs were divided into 8 groups with CVP during hepatic resection controlled at 0 to <1, 1 to <2, 2 to <3, 3 to <4, 4 to <5, 5 to <6, 6 to <7, and 7 to <8 cmH 2 O. Intergroup comparisons were made for hemodynamic parameters, oxygen transport dynamics, and the rate of blood loss. RESULTS: The rate of blood loss and the hepatic venous pressure during hepatic resection were almost linearly related to the CVP. A significant drop in the mean arterial pressure cardiac output, and cardiac index occurred between CVP ≥2 and <2 cmH 2 O. Oxygen delivery (DO 2 ), oxygen consumption (VO 2 ) and oxygen extraction ratio (ERO 2 ) remained relatively constant between CVPs of 2 to <8 cmH 2 O. There was a significant drop in DO 2 when the CVP was <2 cmH 2 O. There was also a significant drop in VO 2 and ExO 2 when the CVP was <1 cmH 2 O.CONCLUSION: The optimal CVP for hepatic resection is 2to 3 cmH2O.

New tools for optimizing fluid resuscitation in acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis(AP)is a frequent disease with degrees of increasing severity responsible for high morbidity.Despite continuous improvement in care,mortality remains significant.Because hypovolemia,together with microcirculatory dysfunction lead to poor outcome,fluid therapy remains a cornerstone of the supportive treatment.However,poor clinical evidence actually support the aggressive fluid therapy recommended in recent guidelines since available data are controversial.Fluid management remains unclear and leads to current heterogeneous practice.Different strategies may help to improve fluid resuscitation in AP.On one hand,integration of fluid therapy in a global hemodynamic resuscitation has been demonstrated to improve outcomein surgical or septic patients.Tailored fluid administration after early identification of patients with high-risk of poor outcome presenting inadequate tissue oxygenation is a major part of this strategy.On the other hand,new decision parameters have been developed recently to improve safety and efficiency of fluid therapy in critically ill patients.In this review,we propose a personalized strategy integrating these new concepts in the early fluid management of AP.This new approach paves the way to a wide range of clinical studies in the field of AP.

Numerical simulation of typhoon-induced storm surge along Jiangsu coast,PartⅠ:Analysis of tropical cyclone

The Tropical Cyclone Best Track Dataset issued by the Shanghai Typhoon Institute of the China Meteorological Administration, for the period from 1949 to 2013, was analyzed, and the typhoons threatening the Jiangsu coast were categorized into three different classes in terms of track, including typhoons making straight landfall, typhoons active in offshore areas, and typhoons moving northward after landfall. On the basis of the 65-year dataset, the typhoon parameters of these three categories, including the central pressure and the maximum wind speed, were investigated. Statistical analysis suggested that the minimum central pressure increased northward and shoreward gradually. The relationship between the maximum wind speed and the minimum central pressure was established through second-order polynomial fitting. Considering typhoons No. 1210, No. 0012, and No. 9711 as the basic typhoons, ten hypothetical cyclones with typical tracks and minimum central pressure occurring during the period from 1949 to 2013 were designed, providing the driving conditions for numerical simulation of typhoon-induced storm surges along the Jiangsu coast.

Effect of controlled low central venous pressure on renal function in major liver resection

Objective： To investigate the effects of low central venous pressure （LVCP） on blood loss and evaluate its influence on renal function in patients undergoing hepatectomy. Methods： Forty-six patients, ASA classification Ⅰ-Ⅲ, undergoing liver resection were randomized into LCVP group （n = 23） and control group （n = 23）. In LCVP group, CVP was maintained at 2-4 mmHg and MBP above 60 mmHg during hepatectomy, while in control group hepatectomy was performed routinely without lowering CVP. Volume of blood loss during hepatectomy, volume of blood transfusion, and changes of renal functions were compared between the two groups. Results： There were no significant differences in demographics, ASA score, type of hepatectomy, duration of inflow occlusion, operation time, weight of resected liver tissues, and renal functions between the two groups. LCVP group had a significantly lower volume of total intraoperative blood loss （P 〈 0.01） and RBC transfusion （P 〈 0.05）. Conclusion： Lowering the CVP to less than 5 mmHg is a simple and effective technique to reduce blood loss and blood infusion during liver resection, and has no detrimental effects on renal functions.

The effect of acute aerobic exercise on central arterial stiffness,wave reflections,and hemodynamics in adults with diabetes:A randomized cross-over design

Background:Individuals with diabetes have greater central arterial stiffness,wave reflections,and hemodynamics,all of which promote the accelerated cardiovascular pathology seen in this population.Acute aerobic exercise has been shown to be an effective strategy for reducing central arterial stiffness,wave reflections,and hemodynamics in healthy individuals;however,the effects of acute aerobic exercise in reducing these outcomes is not well established in people with diabetes.Recently,implementation of high-intensity interval exercise(HIIE)has shown superior improvements in cardiovascular health outcomes when compared to traditional aerobic exercise.Yet,the effect of HIIE on the aforementioned outcomes in people with diabetes is not known.The purpose of this study was to(i)describe the central arterial stiffness,wave reflections,and hemodynamic responses to a bout of HIIE and moderate-intensity continuous exercise(MICE)in adults with diabetes;and(ii)compare the effects of HIIE and MICE on the aforementioned outcomes.Methods:A total of 24 adult men and women(aged 29-59 years old)with type 1(n=12)and type 2(n=12)diabetes participated in a randomized cross-over study.All participants completed the following protocols:(i)HIIE:cycling for 4×4 min at 85%-95%of heart rate peak(HR_(peak)),interspersed with 3 min of active recovery at 60%-70%HR_(peak);(ii)MICE:33 min of continuous cycling at 60%-70%HR_(peak);and(iii)control(CON):lying quietly in a supine position for 30 min.Results:A significant group￡time effect was found for changes in central systolic blood pressure(F=3.20,p=0.01)with a transient reduction for the HIIE group but not for the MICE or CON groups.There was a significant group￡time effect for changes in augmentation index at a heart rate of 75 beats/min(F=2.32,p=0.04)with a decrease following for HIIE and MICE but not for CON.For all other measures of central arterial stiffness and hemodynamics,no significant changes were observed(p>0.05).Conclusion:A bout of HIIE appears to lead to a greater transient reduction in central systolic blood pressure than the reduction observed following MICE;however,both HIIE and MICE improved augmentation index at a heart rate of 75 beats/min in people with diabetes.There was no significant difference in response to HIIE and MICE in all outcomes.This provides preliminary evidence on the role of HIIE on such outcomes in people with diabetes.

Passive leg raising as an indicator of fluid responsiveness in patients with severe sepsis

In the management of critically ill patients, the assessment of volume responsiveness and the decision to administer a fluid bolus constitute a common dilemma for physicians. Static indices of cardiac preload are poor predictors of volume responsiveness. Passive leg raising （PLR） mimics an endogenous volume expansion （VE） that can be used to predict fluid responsiveness. This study was to assess the changes in stroke volume index （SVI） induced by PLR as an indicator of fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated patients with severe sepsis. This was a prospective study. Thirty-two mechanically ventilated patients with severe sepsis were admitted for VE in ICU of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine and Ningbo Medical Treatment Center Lihuili Hospital from May 2010 to December 2011. Patients with non-sinus rhythm or arrhythmia, parturients, and amputation of the lower limbs were excluded. Measurements of SVI were obtained in a semi-recumbent position （baseline） and during PLR by the technique of pulse indicator continuous cardiac output （PiCCO） system prior to VE. Measurements were repeated after VE （500 mL 6% hydroxyethyl starch infusion within 30 minutes） to classify patients as either volume responders or non-responders based on their changes in stroke volume index （ASVI） over 15%. Heart rate （HR）, systolic artery blood pressure （ABPs）, diastolic artery blood pressure （ABPd）, mean arterial blood pressure （ABPm）, mean central venous pressure （CVPm） and cardiac index （CI） were compared between the two groups. The changes ofABPs, ABPm, CVPm, and SVI after PLR and VE were compared with the indices at the baseline. The ROC curve was drawn to evaluate the value of ASVI and the change of CVPm （ACVPm） in predicting volume responsiveness. SPSS 17.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Among the 32 patients, 22 were responders and 10 were non-responders. After PLR among the responders, some hemodynamic variables （including ABPs, ABPd, ABPm and CVPm） were significantly elevated （101.2±17.6 vs. 118.6±23.7, P=0.03; 52.8±10.7 vs. 64.8±10.7, P=0.006; 68.3±11.7 vs. 81.9±14.4, P=0.008; 6.8±3.2 vs. 11.9±4.0, P=0.001）. After PLR, the area under curve （AUC） and the ROC curve of ASVI and ACVPm for predicting the responsiveness after VE were 0.882±0.061 （95%CI 0.759-1.000） and 0.805±0.079 （95%CI 0.650-0.959） when the cut-off levels of ASVI and ACVPm were 8.8% and 12.7%, the sensitivities were 72.7% and 72.7%, and the specificities were 80% and 80%. Changes in ASVI and ACVPm induced by PLR are accurate indices for predicting fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated patients with severe sepsis.

Correlation of Inferior Vena Cava Respiratory Variability Index with Central Venous Pressure and Hemodynamic Parameters in Ventilated Pigs with Septic Shock

Septic shock is a common critical condition, for which effective early fluid resuscitation is the therapeutic focus. According to the 2008 international guidelines for management of severe sepsis and septic shock, resuscitation should achieve a central venous pressure （CVP） of 8-12 mmHg within the first 6 h. However, it is still uncertain about the sensitivity and specificity of CVP in reflecting the cardiac preload. Ultrasonography is a simple, rapid, non-invasive, and repeatable method for the measurement of sensitivity and specificity of CVP and has thus gradually attracted the increasing attention of physicians. It was reported that ultrasonography can show the inferior vena cava diameter, respiratory variability index, and blood volume in patients with sepsis or heart failure.

Highlights of the physical examination in heart failure

Because decompensated heart failure(HF)patients present primarily with symptoms of congestion,the assessment of volume status is of paramount importance.Despite the addition of new technologies that can predict intracardiac filling pressures,the physical exam(PE)remains the most accessible and cost-effective tool available to clinicians.An elevated jugular venous pressure(JVP) is considered the most sensitive sign of volume overload,although the commonly used‘method of Lewis’has several limitations.A useful cutoff is that if the JVP is greater than 3 cm in vertical distance above the sternal angle,the central venous pressure is elevated.In addition to assessment of volume status,the PE in HF can reveal adverse prognostic signs,namely:elevated JVP,presence of third heart sound,elevated heart rate,low systolic BP,and low proportional pulse pressure(＜25%).This article will review the evidence for the diagnostic and prognostic utility of common PE findings in HF.

Nitroglycerin reduces augmentation index and central blood pressure independent of effects on cardiac preload

Objective To determine whether reduction in central pressure augmentation and central systolic blood pressure by nitroglycerine (NTG) results from effects on pre-load or is due to arterial dilation. Methods We compared effects of NTG with those of lower body negative pressure (LBNP). Hemodynamic measurements were made at rest,during LBNP (10,20 and 30 mmHg,each for 15 min) and after NTG (10,30 and 100 μg/min,each dose for 15 min) in ten healthy volunteers. Cardiac pre-load,stroke volume and cardiac output were assessed by echocardiography. Central pressure augmentation and central systolic pressure were obtained by radial tonometry using a transfer function. Results LBNP (20 mmHg) and NTG (30 μg/min) reduced pre-load (as measured by the peak velocity of the S wave in the superior vena cava) to a similar degree [by (26.8±3.8)% and (23.9±3.4)%,respectively]. Compared to LBNP,NTG reduced systemic vascular resistance [by (32.9±7.5)%,P<0.01],decreased peripheral and central pressure augmentation [by (20.8±3.4)% units and (12.9±2.9)% units,respectively,each P<0.01]. Conclusion These results suggest that a reduction in pre-load does not explain reduction in pressure augmentation and central systolic blood pressure by NTG and that these effects are mediated through arterial dilation.

Effect of autologous blood donation on the central venous pressure, blood loss and blood transfusion during living donor left hepatectomy

AIM： Autologous blood donation （ABD） is mainly used to reduce the use of banked blood. In fact, ABD can be regarded as acute blood loss. Would ABD 2-3 d before operation affect the CVP level and subsequently result in less blood loss during liver resection was to be determined.METHODS： Eighty-four patients undergoing living donor left hepatectomy were retrospectively divided as group Ⅰ （GⅠ） and group Ⅱ （GⅡ） according to have donated 250-300 mL blood 2-3 d before living donor hepatectomy or not. The changes of the intraoperative CVP, surgical blood loss,blood products used and the changes of perioperative hemoglobin （Hb） between groups were analyzed and compared by using Mann-Whitney Utest.RESULTS： The results show that the intraoperative CVP changes between GⅠ （n = 35） and GⅡ （n = 49） up to graft procurement were the same, subsequently the blood loss,but ABD resulted in significantly lower perioperative Hb levels in GI.CONCLUSION： Since none of the patients required any blood products perioperatively, all the predonated bloods were discarded after the patients were discharged from the hospital. It indicates that ABD in current series had no any beneficial effects, in term of cost, lowering the CVP, blood loss and reduce the use of banked blood products, but resulted in significant lower Hb in perioperative period.

Statistic forecast of typhoons going over the Chinese coasts

According to the measured data of typhoons going over the Chinese coasts in 1949-2002, a statistic relative equation showing the relation between the central atmospheric pressure of typhoons in a certain region at a certain period of time and their accumulation of frequency is established, and the concept of recurrence interval of typhoons is put forward, which is of actual significance for typhoon disaster reduction along the coastal area.

Influence of tissue pressure on central venous pressure/peripheral venous pressure correlation： An experimental report

BACKGROUND： Peripheral venous pressure （PVP） has been shown to correlate with central venous pressure （CVP） in a number of reports. Few studies, however, have explored the relationship between tissue pressure （TP） and PVP/CVP correlation. METHODS： PVP and CVP were simultaneously recorded in a bench-top model of the venous circulation of the upper limb and in a single human volunteer after undergoing graded manipulation of tissue pressure surrounding the intervening venous conduit. Measures of correlation were determined below and above a point wherein absolute CVP exceeded TP. RESULTS： Greater correlation was observed between PVP and CVP when CVP exceeded TP in both models. Linear regression slope was 0.975 （95% CI： 0.959-0.990）; r2 0.998 above tissue pressure 10 cmH20 vs. 0.393 （95% CI： 0.360-0.426）; and r2 0.972 below 10 cmH2O at a flow rate of 2000 mL/h in the in vitro model. Linear regression slope was 0.839 （95% CI： 0.754-0.925）; r2 0.933 above tissue pressure 10 mmHg vs. slope 0.238 （95% CI： -0.052-0.528）; and r20.276 in the en vivo model. CONCLUSIONS： PVP more accurately reflects CVP when absolute CVP values exceed tissue pressure.

Modulation by anti-oketsu formulations in Kampo medicine of human arterial stiffness

Objective:In traditional herbal medicine(Kampo medicine in Japan),'sho'is diagnosed by the traditional assessments of clinical conditions.Among a variety of the shos,there is an'oketsu'syndrome,which is a stagnation and disturbance of microcirculation.The prompt effects of four anti-oketsu formulations in Kampo medicine on cardiovascular functions were compared in oketsu and non-oketsu persons.Methods:The arterial pulse wave from radial artery is formed by the combination with ejection and reflection pulses.An augmentation index(AI),a ration of the ejection and reflection pulses,indicates a degree of arteriosclerosis.For both seventy-six students with oketsu and thirty-seven students with non-oketsu,Kampo formulations overcoming oketsu of Tokishakuyakusan(TS,Dang-Gui-Shao-Yao-San),Kamishoyosan(KS,Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San),Keisibukuryogan(KB,Gui-Zhi-Fu-Ling-Wan)and Tokakujokito(TJ,Tao-He-Cheng-Qi-Tang)were taken once,and then,the cardiovascular functions including blood pressure,heart rate,central arterial blood pressure(CBP)and AI were examined for 60 min.Results:At 40-60 min after an intake,these formulations decreased the AI almost by 6-18%(n=76),by 18.3±3.1%(P<0.01,n=15)with TJ.Simultaneously,the CBP was reduced by 9.0±1.8%(P<0.05,n=23)with KS and by 9.1±2.0%(P<0.05,n=15)with TJ.On the other hands,non-oketsu group had less or no effect by any kinds of the formulations.Conclusion:The anti-oketsu formulations can exert the ameliorative action for oketsu persons via decreasing AI and CBP.