The pulse wave (PW) is a complex physiological phenomenon observed and detected in blood circulation. In the cardiac systole, a specified volume of blood is ejected and it moves in arteries due to transformation of the potential and kinetic energy of the ejected blood. In an artery or in a vein where the pulse wave is propagating, three dependable phenomena can be observed: blood streaming (streaming pulse), the increase of blood pressure (pressure pulse) and distension of the transverse profile (profile or volume pulse). The invasive method as well as several non-invasive methods is available to detect the PW. The PW shape varies in different parts of circulation. It depends on physiological or pathophysiological conditions of the organism. To the physiological factors the heart rate, the body height and the age belong. The pathological conditions like arteriosclerosis or diabetes can change the arterial elasticity. Hypertension or some heart diseases influence the PW velocity.

        Key words: cardiovascular diagnostic techniques, hemodynamics, pulse wave