The antianginal effect of nitroglycerin is mainly mediated by its pronounced effects on peripheral vessels. These include an increased venous distensibility as well as a dilating effect on large arteries, a decreased arterial stiffness and an increased muscular and skin blood flow. These changes have been used to monitor and to assess the effects of various nitroglycerin preparations in numerous studies. The most frequently used techniques to demonstrate peripheral effects of nitroglycerin are summarized.