The article has examined the influence of frequency-dependent properties of a human arterial network on the distortion of a pulse wave (PW) signal and a resulting temporary displacement of the slope and systolic peak of the PW signal. When analyzing the operation of a cardiovascular system, a section of the arterial network was simulated by an equivalent RC circuit being a low-pass filter. As a result of the simulation, analytical expressions were obtained that allowed to determine the time of the PW signal propagation from a heart to a measuring point. The correctness of the expressions obtained was confirmed by numerical simulation and experimental measurements.