An ECG monitoring system for ambulatory patients includes a reusable battery-powered ECG monitor with an electrode attached to a patient for receiving ECG signals. A processor analyzes the received ECG signals for predefined arrhythmia. If an arrhythmia is detected, a wireless transceiver in the ECG monitor transmits the event information and an ECG strip to a cellphone handset. The cellphone handset automatically relays the event information and ECG strip to a monitoring center for further diagnosis and necessary intervention. The ECG monitor sends notifications to the cellphone handset whenever the status of the monitor changes. The cellphone handset forwards status notifications to which a patient response has not been received to the monitoring center, as well as status notifications generated by the cellphone handset.
