Dr. Jeremy London, a cardiothoracic surgeon with 25 years of experience, highlights a critical misconception about heart disease: it can begin as early as age three. Autopsy studies have shown that children as young as three can have fatty streaks in their arteries, marking the early stages of atherosclerosis. Dr. London explains that atherosclerosis does not suddenly develop; rather, it is a gradual process influenced by lifestyle choices. Factors such as poor diet, smoking, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and inactivity can accelerate this condition. He stresses that these everyday habits are within our control and can significantly impact heart health, potentially keeping individuals off the operating table in the future. This information serves as a reminder that heart health should be a concern from a young age, not just in later life.