Effects of diabetes and allopurinol (ALP) on left ventricular function. Effect of diabetes and ALP on load‐dependent (cardiac output, stroke work, LVSP, + dP/dt and EF) and load‐ and/or heart rate‐independent (Emax, PRSW and dP/dt‐EDV) indices of myocardial contractility, diastolic function (LVEDP, –dP/dt, tau and the slope of the EDPVR), heart rate and stroke volume (n= 10–13/group; *P < 0.05 versus control; #P < 0.05 versus diabetes).