The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and its components among residents of a small town in Russia. A descriptive design was used to examine the metabolic syndrome and its components among a convenience sample of adults aged > or = 18 years. Health assessments and screenings were conducted in a rural health clinic in southern Russia. Data on blood pressure, fasting glucose, HDL cholesterol, triglyceride cholesterol and central obesity were collected, as well as demographic, health history and lifestyle information. 147 persons chose to participate. The majority of participants were female and 92% were > or = 47 years of age. Many persons suffered from three or more metabolic syndrome components, with hypertension the most common metabolic syndrome component. In conclusion, patients at the clinic were at risk for developing cardiac disease. Health screening and health education for cardiovascular and diabetes risk is needed to assist this population in decreasing their metabolic syndrome and its consequential effects.