A system for the detection of cardiac events occurring in a human patient is provided. At least two electrodes are included in the system for obtaining an electrical signal from a patient's heart. An electrical signal processor is electrically coupled to the electrodes for processing the electrical signal and a patient alarm is further provided and electrically coupled to the electrical signal processor. The patient alarm generates an escalating sensory alarm signal over a predetermined time period subsequent to the electrical signal processor if the processor detects a cardiac event. The patient alarm may be further applied to a pacemaker or defibrillator system.