Objective Recent evidence suggests that central arterial pressure is more strongly related to futher cardiovascular end point event than brachial arterial pressure. The aim of the present study is to analyze the difference between the central arterial pressure and brachial arterial pressure in hypertensive population. Methods Subjects were consisted of 640 individuals (age range: 22 to 65 years, 46 years ± 8 years) without significant cardiovascular disease. The subjects were divided into hypertensive and nonhypertensive group according to the brachial arterial pressure. The ratio between central and brachial pulse pressure (PP ratio) was calculated to describe the difference between the two arterial pressures in the two groups. Stepwise multiple liner regression analyses were also performed to determine the factors influencing PP ratio. Results Age and hypertension were independent predictors of PP ratio. PP ratio was increasing with age. Compared with nonhypertensive group, hypertensive group showed higher PP ratio (P < 0. 05) . There were extensive overlaps in central systolic blood pressure between categories, withoutany overlaps between brachial systolic blood pressures. Conclusions Central arterial pressure can not be completely replaced by brachial arterial pressure. Accurate assessment of central arterial pressure may improve the identification of cardiovascular risk, and improve the health management of hypertensive population.