Manufacturers of a new drug that hit the market recently say it will aid patients with high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

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Pfizer Inc.'s drug, called Caduet, combines high blood pressure and high cholesterol medication. This medication, which is the first to treat both conditions in one pill, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in January.

High blood pressure and high cholesterol are the major risk factors for heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States, according to health officials. An estimated 30 million Americans are diagnosed with both risk factors, according to Pfizer.

The two ailments frequently occur together but are not always treated together.

Caduet combines Norvasc, which treats high blood pressure and chest pain, and Lipitor, which treats high cholesterol.

The medication is taken orally and is available by prescription. Treatment is generally well-tolerated, according to Pfizer.

The drug shouldn't be taken by people with liver problems or women who are nursing, pregnant or may get pregnant. It has not been shown to prevent heart disease or heart attacks.

The most common side effects are edema, headache and dizziness.