Secondary (acquired) hypercholesterolemia

Elevated cholesterol serum level is a leading cause of atherosclerosis and related diseases, such as coronary, ischemic cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular disease. Acquired or secondary hypercholesterolemia is a lipid disorder that occurs during other diseases that do not constitute a primary disorder of lipid metabolism. As with primary hyperlipidemias, secondary hyperlipidemias are characterized by an increase in the serum levels of triglycerides, very low-density lipoproteins and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. A decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol is often observed. In this chapter, we review common causes of secondary hyperlipidemia, such as diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, kidney dysfunction, and upon use of commonly used medications. The mechanisms that underlie secondary hyperlipidemias are also discussed.