Objective To observe the effects of five general anesthetics on cardiac electrical activity using a cardiac electrical implant in rats. Methods The anesthetic effect and cardiac electrical activity changes caused by five general anesthetics in rats were measured within 120 min before and after anesthesia using a cardiac electrical implant. Isoproterenol (0. 025 mg / mL) was administered to observe and compare the effects of the anesthetics on cardiac electrical activity in rats. Results Isoflurane and propofol acted quickly with stable anesthesia, fast recovery and minimal heart rate variations. Etomidate and ketamine acted quickly, but the anesthesia lasted a shorter time. Pentobarbital sodium acted slowly, and the anesthesia lasted longer, with a slow recovery and obvious inhibition of cardiac function. Propofol, etomidate, and pentobarbital sodium significantly reduced the effect of isoproterenol on the heart rate. Conclusions Isoflurane and propofol have the best anesthetic effect on the rats and least affected the heart rate. Isoflurane has the least effect on the isoproterenol-enhanced heart rate, suggesting that isoflurane is better suited for anesthetic operations and studying the effects of some cardiovascular active drugs on the heart rate.