An ECG monitoring system for ambulatory patients includes a small multi-electrode patch that adhesively attaches to the chest of a patient. A reusable battery-powered ECG monitor clips onto the patch and receives patient electrical signals from the electrodes of the patch. A processor continuously processes received ECG signals and 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. The cellphone handset has a cover which adapts the user interface of a standard commercial cellphone to the ECG monitoring application and includes a custom control program that displays ECG monitoring messages on the cellphone display and controls the automatic relay of ECG and event information to the monitoring center.
