Simple operation could help millions with high blood pressure Scientists have found by removing a cluster of nerves in the throat, where blood flow is fastest, they can regulate blood pressure. It is hoped the relatively simple procedure could be used in the future to help the around 2.5 million patients who suffer from hypertension and cannot be treated with medication. Scientists at Bristol's School of Physiology and Pharmacology identified a tiny cluster of cells, measuring about the size of a grain of rice, on either side of the carotid artery which has the highest blood flow of any organ in the body. It is thought that with patients with high blood pressure this organ is over active, sending messages to the brain to keep pressure high. Tests on laboratory rats have shown removing one of the organs cured the condition, and a clinical trial involving 20 people has now been launched. If successful it is hoped the procedure could be ready in three years. Lead researcher Professor Julian Paton said they previously had no idea of the extent to which the organs contributed to blood pressure. He said: "It certainly has the potential to be a very novel approach to drug-resistant hypertension." The breakthrough could help millions of blood pressure patients. Around 16 million adults in Britain are estimated to have high blood pressure, and are at first advised to change their lifestyle such as cutting down on smoking and drinking and taking more exercise. Some are given medication to try and control the condition, but an estimated 15 per cent - or 2.5 million people - struggle to do so. The study was funded by the British Heart Foundation and published in the journal Nature Communications. Experts said it was unlikely the process would be used as an alternative to medication, but could be a solution for patients where this fails.