Also known as pickwickian syndrome; a group of symptoms that may accompany extreme obesity. Obesity-hypoventilation syndrome is characterized by shortness of breath, a flushed face, nighttime sleep disturbances such as sleep APNEA syndrome, and an irresistible urge to take short naps during the day. Because massive obesity interferes with breathing, people with this condition may also experience chronic hypoxia or decreased blood oxygen concentration. Obesity- hypoventilation syndrome can lead to serious complications such as pulmonary hypertension, or COR pulmonale (right-sided heart failure).