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Cushing’s disease is when a pituitary tumor causes signs and symptoms due to levels of cortisol that are too high for too long.
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What are the complications caused by hypercortisolism?

Excessive levels of cortisol may cause serious health complications. The complications caused by excess cortisol are found in patients diagnosed with all forms of Cushing’s syndrome, including Cushing’s disease. Some of these complications can lead to heart problems.1


Complications Caused By Cushing’s Disease

Below, you can read about the possible complications associated with hypercortisolism, along with treatments that doctors may recommend to help get them under control. In all cases, reducing cortisol to normal levels is key to helping manage the complications.


Complications associated with hypercortisolism

Complication
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure means that the body's blood flow is causing too much pressure against artery walls.1
Diabetes
Many patients develop problems with the way their body processes sugars. These are called glucose metabolism disorders, and they include diabetes, a condition caused by too much sugar (glucose) in the blood.1
Obesity
Obesity is the term used for a high body mass index (that is, the amount of fat in the body), which particularly develops in the middle part of the body (around the abdominal area), while arms and legs remain thin.1
High Cholesterol and Triglycerides
Excess cortisol can cause an increase in cholesterol and triglycerides. As a result, cholesterol and triglycerides build up in arteries, making it more difficult for blood to flow to the heart.1

Cushing’s syndrome can also cause other complications. For example, it may reduce thyroid function (called hypothyroidism) as well as cause infertility in both men and women.1


Because Cushing’s disease occurs when excess ACTH is produced by a pituitary tumor, treatment to reduce ACTH levels will, in turn, reduce cortisol to normal levels. This is very important in managing complications.1




Reference: 1. Arnaldi G, Angeli A, Atkinson AB, et al. Diagnosis and complications of Cushing’s syndrome: a consensus statement. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2003;88:5593-5602.

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