Recently, some studies have found that metallothionein 2A (MT2A) is an important antioxidant stress molecule. MT2A gene polymorphism is closely related to coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis. MT2A has the effect of reducing cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and protecting the myocardium. The effect of MT2A on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases includes inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis and endothelial function. This article reviews the relationship between MT2A and cardiovascular, cerebrovascular diseases.