'Reports suggest that even doctors perceive cardiovascular disease as a man's disease, and there are delayed diagnoses and lower rates of interventional treatments when compared to men.''

The study said trust in one's doctor is directly related to patient satisfaction and improved health.

'Trust in one's health care provider is tremendously important,'' said Grace.

'We know that it can foster compassion and better quality of care, and can result in a higher level of treatment adherence.

'This is particularly crucial for cardiac patients, who often have multiple recommendations from their specialist on how to manage their condition and prevent further complications,'' the senior author added.

The study has been published in the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice.