A portable ECG monitor and an overall system for remotely monitoring cardiac function of a patient is disclosed, together with a method of use. The portable ECG includes a multi-lead, multi-channel ECG monitor and a wireless communication device connected to the ECG monitor to receive patient ECG data and transmit the patient ECG data to a centralized facility, such as a hospital. The wireless communication device can include a mobile phone and/or an interactive Internet appliance. A method of remotely monitoring ECG data is also disclosed. The method and apparatus are particularly useful with patients experiencing symptomatic ischemia. The method includes providing a portable ECG device with wireless communication capabilities to such a patient, acquiring ECG data from the patient at a location remote from a health care facility, then transmitting the ECG data to the centralized facility, and assessing the ECG data at the centralized facility. The patient is then provided with instructions based on the ECG assessment. The centralized facility and the health care facility may be one in the same, or may be two different and distinct facilities.