Figure 2. Schematic illustration of the mechanism of atherosclerotic plaque stabilization by a large calcification .

The lipid pool/necrotic core of a non‐calcified plaque is deformable, which allows for high tissue strain in the fibrous cap during systole. Large, dense calcifications help counteract the resulting stress by limiting the degree of fibrous cap deformation that occurs under systolic pressure. (From Ruiz et al. 2015.)