An expandable stent is implanted in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery, peripheral artery, or other body lumen for treating an area of vulnerable plaque. The invention provides for an intravascular stent having a plurality of cylindrical rings connected by straight links. Alternatively, the cylindrical rings of the distal section and the cylindrical rings of the proximal section are connected directly to adjacent cylindrical rings. The stent has adequate vessel wall coverage and radial strength sufficient to hold open an artery or other body lumen. A central section is positioned between distal and proximal sections and is aligned with the area of vulnerable plaque to enhance growth of cells over the fibrous cap of the vulnerable plaque to reinforce the area and reduce the likelihood of rupture.