The metabolic syndrome is a cluster of cardiometabolic risk abnormalities related to atherosclerosis. It represents a public health problem as it affects nearly 20-30% of the general population in various countries. While the metabolic syndrome is a well recognized risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, there is little evidence about its association with venous thromboembolism. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge on the relationship between the metabolic syndrome and arterial and venous thrombosis from a pathogenic and clinical point of view.