Abstract: Objective To investigate the distribution of TCM syndromes on hypertension in the elderly from suburban community of Shanghai through the clinical epidemiology cross-sectional survey,so as to provide the objective evidence for TCM syndrome differentiation classification of hypertension,and further understand the differences of dangerous risks among different syndrome patterns to improve the preventive and curative effects of modern Chinese medicine for hypertension. Methods The cluster random sampling was used to survey among the hypertensive patients of 65 years old.The clinical symptoms,signs,tongue and pulse of patients were observed and documented,and the epidemiological questionnaire for the distribution of syndrome of hypertension and related factors were filled.Referencing to the diagnostic criteria of Clinical Research Guiding principles of Chinese Medicinals and New Drugs in 2002,the TCM syndrome types were divided into four groups:liver-fire hyperactivity syndrome group,yin deficiency with yang hyperactivity syndrome group,phlegm-dampness exuberance syndrome group and yin and yang deficiency syndrome group.The relative files about patients like TCM syndromes,gender and age were analyzed,and statistical analysis of all data was conducted by SPSS 20.0. Results In 1 741 subjects,yin deficiency with yang hyperactivity syndrome accounted for the largest share,followed by yin and yang deficiency syndrome,phlegm-dampness exuberance syndrome,and liver-fire hyperactivity syndrome.The proportion of men and women in yin deficiency with yang hyperactivity syndrome and phlegm-dampness exuberance syndrome had significant difference(P<0.05).The single factor analysis showed that living alone,obesity,physical exercise,cardiovascular disease,drinking and smoking were related with TCM syndromes. Conclusion The distribution of TCM syndrome types in old patients with hypertension has a certain regularity,yin deficiency with yang hyperactivity syndrome and yin and yang deficiency syndrome is the most rare,TCM differentiation of symptoms and signs can provide more evidence to set up the preventive strategy for hypertension.