Phases of the Cardiac Action Potential - Sciencing There are five cardiac action potential phases, numbered 0 through 4 (scientists get strange ideas sometimes). Phase 0 is depolarization of the membrane and the opening of "fast" (i.e., high-flow) sodium channels. Potassium flow also decreases. Phase 1 is partial repolarization of the membrane thanks to a rapid decrease in sodium-ion passage as ...