Final answer:
Blood pressure difference of 20 mmHg or more in the upper extremities may be an early sign of an aortic dissection, and it is key to understand blood pressure norms to identify this serious condition.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of early signs of a possible aortic dissection, it's important to identify symptoms that are indicative of this serious condition. An aortic dissection involves a tear in the inner layer of the aorta, which can cause bleeding into and along the wall of the aorta. C) Blood pressure difference of 20 mmHg or more in the upper extremities might be an early sign of this condition, as it suggests a disruption in blood flow potentially caused by a dissection. This stands in contrast to choices A, B, and D, which are less specific to aortic dissection. Understanding blood pressure norms and abnormalities, such as those caused by conditions like atherosclerosis or hypertension, is crucial for identifying the serious nature of an aortic dissection.
In peripheral artery disease, the blood pressure at the ankle is typically D) lower than the blood pressure at the upper arm due to the narrowed arteries in the legs, which can impede blood flow. Components of the plaque that may build up in arteries and contribute to conditions such as aortic dissection or peripheral artery disease include cholesterol, fatty substances, cellular waste products, calcium, and fibrin.