Abstract: Objective To investigate the the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome(MS) and its concomitance in a rural Chinese population in Beijing. Methods In a community in Haidian Area of Beijing all persons over 18 years of age were studied by questionnaires, physical examination and determination of blood biochemical parameters. Results The prevalence of MS in the rural area was 26.4%. Prevalence in male and female were 38.9% and 17.7%, respectively, which were significantly different(P<0.001). Prevalence of hyperglycemia, overweight/obesity, high lipids and hypertension were 23.1%, 54.2%, 57.1% and 36.7%, respectively. Each prevalence of above mentioned parameters were high in men than women(P<0.05); Prevalence of MS rose with age. Among subjects over the age of 60 years the prevalence reached a peak of 37.3%. Conclusion The rural residents have higher rates of MS and related diseases. Health promotion, prevention and treatment of MS should be actively strengthened in healthy male and female population over the age of 40.

Key words: metabolic syndrome, rural areas, prevalence