Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the epidemiological features of metabolic syndrome (MS) and its related factors in Hangzhou. MethodsA stratified sampling cluster survey was performed among 1452 residents aged 20-79 years in the urban and rural areas of Hangzhou in 2005. ResultsThe prevalence rate of MS was 8.68% and the age-standardized prevalence rate was 6.70% for the residents in Hangzhou, which was increased significantly after 40 years old. The differences on prevalence between male and female, urban area and rural area were not significant. The prevalence of MS showed obvious family clustering (Fisher exact test IP/I= 0.0244). The prevalence rate decreased with the increase of frequency and physical activity intensity ( I/Isup2/sup=6.2956, I/Isup2/sup=6.6692, IP/I0.05). The awareness rate of MS was very low in the population (3.65%). ConclusionMS has become a great threat to local public health. It is necessary to strengthen health education and carry out comprehensive prevention and treatment for MS among different populations.