Objectives: The implementation of arterial stiffness measurements in clinical practice is hampered by methodological differences in PWV definitions and the absence of reference values. This study reports reference values for pulse wave velocity (PWV) in a population of 24,482 subjects originating from 13 European centres.

Methods: PWV values presented are valid for direct carotid-femoral distance measurement (L_direct) and transit time determined by the algorithm of intersecting tangents (Δt_{intersecting tangent}). PWV was converted using statistical models for estimation of L_direct and Δt_{intersecting tangent} if required. PWV relevant clinical data were available in 13,919 without curent antihypertensive therpay. Subjects were divided into age deciles (<30, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70–79, >=80 years) and for each age category a box-percentile plot was constructed.

Results:

Conclusions: The data presented form a solid base for establishing reference values according to age group valid for a European population.