How does the heart compensate for increased workload?

The heart compensates for increased workload primarily by increasing its size and the force of contraction. When the body requires more oxygen, such as during physical exertion, the heart must pump more forcefully to meet the elevated demands for blood flow. This process often involves hypertrophy, where the heart muscle thickens in response to increased demand, allowing for more powerful contractions. This adaptation prepares the heart to handle greater volumes of blood with each beat, thereby effectively catering to the body's needs during periods of increased activity or stress.

In contrast, a decrease in heart rate would not support the need for increased blood flow; instead, it would reduce the amount of blood circulated. Reducing blood pressure might occur as a result of other compensatory mechanisms, but it does not directly address the heart's increased workload. Lastly, resting more frequently would not contribute to addressing the increased demand; rather, it would lead to a lower overall output of blood. Thus, the most fitting explanation for how the heart compensates for increased workload is by enhancing its size and the force of contraction.