Final answer:
Coarctation of the aorta causes higher blood pressure in the upper extremities compared to the lower extremities by narrowing the aorta and impeding blood flow to the lower body. In peripheral artery disease, ankle blood pressure is usually lower than upper arm blood pressure. Components of arterial plaque include cholesterol, fatty substances, and calcium.
Step-by-step explanation:
Differences in upper extremity and lower extremity blood pressure can result from various cardiovascular conditions. The correct answer to the question is d. Coarctation of the aorta. Coarctation of the aorta is a condition in which there is a narrowing of the aorta, the large blood vessel branching off the heart. This narrowing can cause higher blood pressure in the arms (upper extremities) compared to the legs (lower extremities) because it impedes the flow of blood to the lower part of the body. Other options such as pulmonary stenosis, ventricular septal defect (VSD), and atrial septal defect (ASD) typically do not result in a blood pressure difference between the upper and lower extremities.
It is important to note that, in peripheral artery disease, the blood pressure at the ankle is typically lower than the blood pressure at the upper arm. Components of arterial plaque include cholesterol, fatty substances, cellular waste products, calcium, and fibrin. Understanding these conditions and their effects on blood pressure can be critical for diagnosing and treating cardiovascular diseases effectively.