What is the classic triad of symptoms for aortic dissection?

The classic triad of symptoms for aortic dissection includes chest pain, back pain, and a discrepancy in blood pressure between the arms. The chest pain associated with aortic dissection is typically sudden in onset and can be described as tearing or ripping in nature. This severe pain often radiates to the back.

The presence of back pain is an important feature that distinguishes aortic dissection from other types of acute chest pain. The discrepancy in blood pressure between the arms is critical because it indicates that the dissection may have interfered with the blood supply to one of the arms, which can happen when the dissection extends and compromises major arteries branching off the aorta. This triad of symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis and management of aortic dissection, as the condition is life-threatening.

The other choices do not reflect the classic presentation of aortic dissection, thus emphasizing the unique features of the correct answer.