Which of the following is a symptom of a heart attack?

Shortness of breath is indeed a common symptom of a heart attack and often occurs due to the heart's reduced ability to pump blood effectively, which can lead to a buildup of fluid in the lungs. This symptom may manifest during physical activity or even at rest, and it can be accompanied by feelings of anxiety or impending doom.

The other options present symptoms that can occur in various medical conditions but are not typically recognized as classic signs of a heart attack. Excessive sweating, for instance, may occur but is often related to other factors such as stress or physical exertion rather than being a primary indicator of a heart attack. Sharp stomach pain can also be indicative of digestive issues and may lead some individuals to confuse it with heart-related pain. Numbness in limbs could suggest a number of problems including nerve issues or circulation problems, but it is less commonly associated directly with heart attacks in the same way shortness of breath is. Understanding these symptoms helps to recognize the signs of a heart attack more accurately and respond appropriately.