Objective To numerically simulate the propagation of pulse wave in human arterial tree by proposing a novel calculation method which combines a transmission line model and a recursive algorithm of input impedance, and to study the effects of individual differences and arterial tree parameters on pulse wave so as to provide references for the analysis on physiologic and pathologic characteristics of human arterial tree. MethodsThe transmission line model of human arterial tree was constructed, which consisted of 55-segment large and medium sized arteries. The recursive algorithm was applied to compute the input impedance of arterial tree at each point. The blood pressures and flows of 55 arteries were calculated and showed in the distribution graphs. Based on this method, the effects of height, heart rate, stroke volume, internal radius and wall thickness on pulse wave propagation and blood pressure distribution were compared. Results The simulation results were in good agreement with the general rules of pulse wave propagation. The propagation of pulse wave in arterial tree showed significantly different characteristics for different parameters. Conclusions The proposed method can effectively simulate the propagation of pulse wave in arterial tree and accurately reflect the effects of individual differences and hemodynamics parameters on pulse wave propagation, and it is an important assistant means for the pathophysiologic analysis and diagnosis of human arterial tree.