Pulse wave transmission times in central aorta and peripheral arteries in normal children.

Pulse wave transmission times and pulse wave velocities in central aorta and peripheral arteries were measured in a group of 85 healthy children and adolescents between the ages of 1 and 21 years. A new external plethysmograph is described which gives reliable tracings of external pulsations. A method is given to calculate real pulse wave transmission time from the aortic valves to the groin.