POMC and Hypertension: Endogenous Cushing's syndrome may be caused by overproduction of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) (Cushing's disease in most cases) or by an independent high cortisol secretion from the adrenal cortex.1 Cardiovascular impairments are frequent, due to hypertension, hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, weight gain, and a prothrombotic state.