Background Galectin‐3 plays a crucial role in the regulation of inflammation. The aim of this study was to elucidate the association between LGALS3 genotypes, galectin‐3 levels, and inflammatory marker levels in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Results A total of 474 patients with CAD were enrolled. Significant correlations were discerned between galectin‐3 levels and leukocyte counts, C‐reactive protein, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 levels (all p, Galectin‐3 levels significantly correlated with leukocyte counts, C‐reactive protein, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 levels while LGALS3 SNPs rs2274273 and rs4644 genotypes independently associated with and contributed to 20.8% of galectin‐3 levels in patients with coronary artery disease. The absence of a significant association between LGALS3 gene variants and the inflammation markers levels suggested that it should be cautious when galectin‐3 was used as a therapeutic target for chronic inflammatory disorders, such as coronary artery disease.