Now, an operation to "cure high BP"

Called renal sympathetic-nerve ablation, the procedure apparently disrupts signals from the brain that help keep blood pressure raised.

The procedure involves inserting a wire into a blood vessel close to the kidneys to burn through nerves which carry signals that stimulate high blood pressure.

Anthony Henry, 68, was the man on whom the operation was carried out, reports The Scotsman.

His blood pressure reportedly came down after just two weeks.

Professor Martin Rothman, who led the surgical team at the London Chest hospital, said: "This relatively trivial procedure has the potential to make a serious improvement to the quality of life for the patient.

"It is very efficient and can lower the blood pressure enough to reduce stroke mortality by 50 per cent."