--- Causes of High Cholesterol 1.Non-Controllable Factors Genetic factors (e.g., Familial hypercholesterolemia) Health conditions, such as: Chronic kidney or liver disease Diabetes HIV/AIDS Hypothyroidism Lupus Overweight & obesity Sleep apnea --- 3.Medications That May Increase Cholesterol Treatments for: Acne Cancer High blood pressure HIV/AIDS Irregular heartbeats Organ transplants