Objective·To investigate the association between metabolic syndrome (MS) and risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in community-dwelling residents ≥ 40 years of age in Shanghai. Methods·The cross-sectional study was conducted in 10 185 residents aged≥40 years selected by cluster sampling from Songnan community of Baoshan District. The questionnaire was used to collect relevant medical history. Anthropometry and biochemistry measurements were also performed. Results·The prevalences of MS and CVD in study population were 30.99% and 5.97%, respectively. The prevalence of MS was significantly higher in females than in males (35.34% vs 24.40%) and increased with age. The prevalence of CVD was significantly higher in males than in females (7.45% vs 4.99%). Logistic regression analysis indicated that MS was associated with an increased risk of CVD in males (OR 1.46, 95%CI 1.11-1.92) and in females (OR 1.34, 95%CI 1.03-1.74) after adjustment for covariates including age, body mass index, smoking, drinking, exercise, and education level. Elevated blood pressure, high fasting glucose, and abdominal obesity were associated with increased risk of CVD in males with MS, while high triacylglycerol level and high fasting glucose were associated with increased risk of CVD in females. Conclusion·About one third of the residents aged ≥40 years in Songnan community had MS. MS and its components were significantly associated with increased risk of CVD.