An implantable medical device system capable of generating a patient alert message for display on an external patient communicator is provided. The patient alert message notifies the patient that a patient alert condition has been detected; indicates what type of alert condition was detected, and instructs the patient regarding what action should be taken. The patient alert message may additionally provide an indication of the severity of the patient alert condition. The IMD system includes an IMD capable of sensing signals for detecting multiple patient alert conditions and generating a patient alert signal. The IMD system further includes an external patient communicator capable of receiving patient alert data from the IMD. Upon receipt of the patient alert data, the patient communicator displays a patient alert message including patient instructions which typically indicate appropriate medical personnel contact information.