Immune mechanisms have important roles in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The present study was conducted to evaluate the association of pulse wave velocity (PWV) with either hepatitis C or B. In 7514 subjects, we determined the PWV, as well as the plasma levels of hepatitis B virus antigen and antibody and of hepatitis C virus antibody. The results of multiple regression analysis showed that seropositivity for hepatitis C virus was a significant variable for PWV independent from atherosclerotic risk factors. Thus, hepatitis C virus seropositivity was associated with increased PWV.