The present invention is directed to the problem of preventing episodes of "AV Desynchronization Arrhythmia" (AVDA), a dual-chamber pacing behavior that is initiated by a PVC or other ventricular event that is not closely preceded by an atrial depolarization event. If the initiating PVC creates retrograde conduction resulting in an atrial refractory-sensed event, and should the succeeding AP fail to capture due to pacing within the atrial refractory period (ARP) a repetitive AVDA sequence (AP.sub.ineffectual-VP-AR.sub.refractory) can persist for an extended period of time and symptoms of pacemaker syndrome can occur. After AVDA detection, the following may occur: delivered atrial pacing (AP) energy may be (dynamically) increased, a atrial pacing (AP) delay interval may be implemented, a mode-switch may be executed, a patient notification process may begin, a histogram may be recorded or processed, and/or a combination thereof may be used in response the detected AVDA sequence.