Abstract: An implantable pacemaker provides three types of hysteresis for use in dual chamber and/or atrial tracking modes, such as VDI, VDD, DDI, DDD, VDIR, VDDR, DDIR or DDDR. The pacemaker defines a basic atrial escape interval (AEI) that defines the maximum time between a ventricular event and a subsequent atrial event, as well as an AV delay (AVD) that defines the maximum time between an atrial event and the next ventricular event. The sum of AEI plus AVD thus sets the rate at which stimulation pulses are generated in the absence of sensed natural cardiac activity. A first type of hysteresis, atrial escape rate hysteresis, causes the AEI to be extended upon sensing natural atrial beats (P-waves). The increased AEI remains in force so long as natural P-waves continue to be sensed during the AEI. Should a P-wave not be sensed during the AEI, a stimulation pulse is generated and the AEI reverts to its initial value.