Although mitral valve prolapse is common in developed countries, its prevalence and its complications are much lower among the general population than was previously thought. No association has been conclusively documented for a myriad of neuropsychiatric symptoms previously speculated to be associated with mitral valve prolapse. Moreover, the prevalence of mitral valve prolapse does not appear to be affected by male or female sex. The most important management issues are mitral regurgitation and antibiotic prophylaxis for procedures that can cause bacteremia. For patients who are asymptomatic, reassurance becomes a critical component of treatment. If symptoms develop because of severe mitral regurgitation and decreased cardiac reserve, surgery may be required.