Objectives Telomeres, the end of the chromosomes, which play a crucial role in retaining the stability and integrity of the chromosome, is linked with several aging-related diseases. A number of studies confirmed its relevance with coronary artery disease. However, the dispute exists.

Methods The telomere length data from 13 publications consists of 1985 cases and 3435 controls are pooled in a meta-analysis to assess the association between coronary artery disease and telomere length.

Results Telomere length is associated with coronary artery disease (WMD=−0.26, 95% CI −0.29 to −0.23). And the association between the telomere length and CAD was statistically significant in studies from European-American countries (WMD=−0.25, 95% CI −0.29 to −0.22), and Asian countries (WMD=−0.83, 95% CI −1.21 to −0.45). There was no publication bias in this meta-analysis

Conclusions Telomere length is associated with coronary artery disease by statistical evidence.