Objective To explore the use of non-invasive technique for early detection of atherosclerosis in health checkups. Methods A total of 46 824 healthy normotensive volunteers, including 24 879 men and 21 945 women, from 27 physical examination centers were reviewed for their clinical data. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) by age was calculated,and related factors of PWV were analyzed. Results Reference range of PWV was increased with age. Detectable rate of abnormal PWV in men < 60 years was significantly higher than women (P<0.05). Detectable rate of PWV of > 1400 cm/s, > 1700 cm/s or > 2000 cm/s were 34. 5% ,7. 5% and 1.9% Respectively. Correlation analysis showed that PWV was closely related with age and mean systolic blood pressure ( P < 0. 05 ). Conclusion Non-invasive technique for early detection of atherosclerosis and PWV should be useful in physical examinations and cardiovascular disease screening.