The development of cardiovascular disease is related to chronic inflammation. p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) mediated signaling pathway plays an important role in cardiovascular cell inflammation, proliferation, differentiation, migration and metabolism. Inhibition of p38MAPK can effectively inhibit the expression of inflammatory mediators. In terms of safety, p38 inhibitors are unacceptable and it is necessary to study the downstream substrate. Mitogen-actitated protein kinase actitaved protein kinase 2 (MK2) is an important downstream substrate of p38MAPK and is involved in the development of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, inhibition of MK2 activity is of great clinical significance in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. This article mainly reviews the structure and function of MK2 and its role in cardiovascular diseases.