Numerous conditions can be secondary causes of high cholesterol. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, hypercholesterolemia, or high blood cholesterol, occurs when there is an excessive amount of cholesterol in your body. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is naturally produced by your body. In some individuals, however, medical conditions may cause your body to generate more cholesterol than usual, which can increase your risk for serious health complications.
Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is a common secondary cause of elevated blood cholesterol levels. According to the Merck Manuals website, diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which your blood sugar, or glucose, levels are unusually high due to an inability of your pancreas to generate sufficient amounts of insulin. If your body does not produce adequate amounts of insulin, glucose will remain in your blood, eventually leading to serious diabetic complications such as nerve and blood vessel damage. Common signs and symptoms associated with diabetes mellitus include increased thirst, frequent urination, severe hunger, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, vision problems, slow wound-healing and frequent infections. The Merck Manuals website states that physicians often refer to this condition by its full name, diabetes mellitus, to distinguish it from diabetes insipidus, which is an uncommon disorder of your kidneys that does not affect your blood sugar levels.
Nephrotic Syndrome
Nephrotic syndrome, also known as kidney disease, is a secondary cause of elevated blood cholesterol levels. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, or NIDDK, states that nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder in which your body excretes too much protein in your urine. Nephrotic syndrome is caused by damage to your kidney's glomeruli--small blood vessels that filter metabolic waste material and excess water from your blood before sending them to your bladder as urine. Common signs and symptoms associated with nephrotic syndrome include extremely high levels of protein in your urine, low blood protein levels, swelling around your eyes, feet and hands, foam in the toilet water when urinating, weight gain caused by fluid retention and elevated blood cholesterol levels. According to the NIDDK, if you have nephrotic syndrome, you may benefit from limiting the amount of protein in your diet.
Cushing's Syndrome
Cushing's syndrome is a secondary cause of high cholesterol. According to MayoClinic.com, Cushing's syndrome occurs when your body is subjected to high levels of cortisol over time. Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by your adrenal glands. Your adrenal glands sit on top of your kidneys. The most common cause of Cushing's syndrome is hypercorticalism, or the long-term use of oral corticosteroid medication. Cushing's syndrome may also occur when your body generates excessive amounts of cortisol. Common signs and symptoms associated with Cushing's syndrome include a fatty hump between your shoulders, a rounded face, stretch marks on your skin, elevated blood pressure, weight gain, fatigue, muscle weakness, headache and increased blood cholesterol levels. MayoClinic.com states that osteoporosis and diabetes are two possible complications associated with Cushing's syndrome.
