Pregnancy- the ultimate cardiovascular stress test.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in women, yet remains under-studied and under-recognised. Pregnancy acts as a 'cardiovascular stress test', with haemodynamic and hormonal changes that may unmask subclinical disease or precipitate decompensation in those with existing cardiac disease. Pregnancy-related metabolic complications are under-studied risk factors for future CVD. This review explores the complex interplay between pregnancy and CVD.