Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) remain among the most significant and intriguing unsolved problems in obstetrics. HDP are common and complicate obstetric practice in Iraq. The incidence of pre-eclampsia in hospital practice in Iraq varies from 7% to 13% and that of eclampsia about 1.1%. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a major issue of concern for the mother and her infant. Pregnancy with its enormous influence on the CV physiology is like a stress test in a woman’s life. Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy can be considered as a failed CV stress test identifying the woman susceptible to CVD in later life. Pregnancy can be considered as a channel to identify women who are at risk for future CVD. As clinicians, we should utilize this channel to implement lifestyle modification in women to reduce their future burden of CVD. Further research is required to identify the mechanisms in pregnancy and HDP that contribute to CVD in later life so as to initiate appropriate preventive measures