But what really is high blood pressure, why does it occur, what happens when you get it, and can you make lifestyle changes to prevent it?

These are just a few of the questions that will be explored in a free public lecture to be given by Professor Julian Paton from the University of Bristol.

Professor Paton said: "High blood pressure usually has no signs or symptoms which is why it is sometimes called the 'silent killer'. This is why it is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly. Think of it as part of an MOT for your body - a number that you should know in the same way that you would know how much you weigh or how tall you are."

The lecture will include live demonstrations to illustrate how the nervous system controls the heart and blood vessels; what the two numbers really mean when your blood pressure is taken, and some plausible explanations as to why blood pressure escapes from its normal levels in people with high blood pressure.

In addition, Professor Paton will describe exciting new research into understanding the origins of high blood pressure. The lecture  is suitable for all age groups.

The talk will be on Wednesday 20th July at 5:30pm in the Victoria Rooms, Queens Road, Bristol. While the event is free, please email Sophie.Hunt@bristol.ac.uk or ring 0117 928 8105 to reserve your place/s. They will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

The lecture will be given by Professor Julian Paton from the Department of Physiology at the University of Bristol.  It will be held during the International Meeting of The Physiological Society and The Federation of European Physiological Societies, which is being hosted by the University of Bristol, 20-23 July 2005.

The lecture is being sponsored by the British Heart Foundation, the Physiological Society and the University of Bristol.