It’s part of the month-long Heartfelt exhibition, which runs at the gallery until 30 September to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation.

Hundreds of people have created their own hearts, out of everything from fabric to feathers, to represent something 'heartfelt' in their lives.

Although heart disease has only gained recognition as a major cause of death in the last 125 years, post-mortem studies on Egyptian mummies have confirmed that the disease has been affecting humans for centuries.

Understanding of the complex disease of atherosclerosis, the underlying ailment that causes heart disease, has rapidly progressed due to cutting edge research over the last decade.

A great deal of this research is visual and the latest technological advances have helped researchers to observe how the disease progresses, improving treatment and future preventative measures.

Dr Johnson, from the Bristol Heart Institute, studies the process of atherosclerosis – the build-up of fatty material on the lining of arteries to form ‘plaques’ that can partially block the artery and reduce blood flow.

Heart attacks and strokes are primarily caused by the cracking of these plaques, which triggers formation of a blood clot that can completely block the blood vessel – starving the heart or brain of blood and oxygen.

Dr Johnson’s talk begins at 6pm on 15 September at The Grant Bradley Gallery, 1 St Peter’s Court, Bedminster Parade, BS3 4AQ. Admission to this talk is free, but booking is required in advance. To book a place please contact Amanda Edmondson via email or call (0117) 3318313.