Background We examined the -2518G/A polymorphism of the MCP-1 gene, its plasma levels, and premature stableCADin a Chinese population. Methods The study comprised 132 patients with premature stable CAD (cases) and 153 controls. Genotypes were determined by ligase detection reaction-polymerase chain reaction sequencing and grouping. Plasma MCP-1 level was detected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results No differences were found between genotype distribution and allele frequencies of MCP-1 gene -2518 G/A polymorphism (AA:18.1%; AG:51.5%; GG:30.3% in cases; AA:16.3%; AG:52.9%; GG:30.7% in controls; P=0.918). The G allele prevalence was 0.561 in cases and 0.572 in controls (P=0.786). No significant difference was found in plasma MCP-1 level between cases and controls [(47.50±26.65) vs. (41.05±15.71)pg/ml, P=0.272)] or among the 3 genotypes [AA, (43.49±10.50) pg/ml; AG, (46.09±25.08)pg/ml; GG, (40.03±18.13)pg/ml; P=0.381]. Logistic regression analysis confirmed the lack of association between MCP-1-2518 G/A single nucleotide polymorphism and premature stable CAD after adjustment for confounding parameters. Conclusions The MCP-1-2518 G/A single nucleotide polymorphism does not affect plasma levels of MCP-1 or susceptibility to premature stableCADin a Chinese population.